12 Nov 2024 | 02:23 AM UTC
South China Sea: Tropical Depression Yinxing tracking southwestward toward south-central Vietnam as of early Nov. 12 /update 10
TD Yinxing tracking southwestward in the South China Sea early Nov. 12. Landfall over Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, imminent.
Tropical Depression Yinxing is tracking southwestward in the western South China Sea toward south-central Vietnam early Nov. 12. As of 10:00 ICT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 228 km (142 miles) southeast of Da Nang, Vietnam.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will make landfall over Binh Dinh Province over the coming hours. After landfall, Yingxing is expected to weaken further as it tracks southwestward across south-central Vietnam Nov. 12 and dissipate over Kratie Province in Cambodia early Nov. 13. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Nov. 12, the Vietnam National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF) issued a storm warning advising that rough seas and strong winds are likely over coastal waters from Thua Thien Hue to Phu Yen provinces. Heavy rainfall warnings are also in place across central Vietnam, though these are not exclusively linked to Yinxing. Rainfall totals of 4-10 cm (1.5-4 inches) with localized heavier amounts over 20 cm (8 inches) are forecast between Thua Thien Hue and Phu Yen provinces Nov. 11-12, and totals of 3-6 cm (1-2.4 inches) with localized higher amounts of 15 cm (6 inches) expected over the Central Highlands.
Parts of central Vietnam are still recovering from Tropical Storm Trami's passage and the resultant flooding and landslides. Trami made landfall as a tropical storm over southern Thua Thien Hue Province close to Da Nang at around 10:00 ICT Oct. 27 and then stalled as it weakened into a depression over central Vietnam and southeastern Laos. Further rainfall is likely to lead to further flooding and landslides.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
